Technology advancements in modern times are a challenge that are difficult to tackle for industries. As technological innovations continue to sweep across the business landscape, companies are searching for innovative ways to localize their software for global markets. And this software localization comes with its own share of “myths” and “misconceptions”.
Language translation software and localization enable a company to explore even those markets that have been off-limits for them. However, there are still some myths shrouding the software localization process. These unfounded myths may steer companies away from their globalization paths. This is why it is imperative to clear up these myths about software localization.
The Myths of Software Localization
Myth #1: Only Established Companies Choose to do Software Localization
Many companies kick-start their globalization journey every year, yet only a handful of them take the step of localizing their software. The reason? Many new entrants believe software localization is for established companies and “old players”. This myth is unfounded as many new start-ups reap huge rewards when they launch localized versions of their software in a new market. In fact, it is beneficial to start off with software localization early, as it allows a company to gauge its competition. It also allows them to check the preferences of the local audience as well as recognize the “big players” in the new market.
Myth #2: English is the Main Language of Communication Globally
With English as the main language on the internet today, it is easy to believe that everybody speaks and understands English. However, this is not the case. Actually, English is the native language of only 5% of the global population and it accounts for only 50% of online content. In contrast, Chinese is the native language of 16% of the world population. Unfortunately, only 2% of the world’s top 10 million websites are translated into Chinese.
Software for translating languages may ease the task of software translation, but it is important to reach out to software users in their own native languages. By localizing your software into the local language, you can create brand persuasion and acclaim, even in non-English markets.
Myth #3: Machine Translation and CAT tools are the same
Although language translator software has made huge leaps with changing technology, there are still some “gray” areas that few companies fail to understand. This particularly happens when they confuse Machine Translation and Computer-Assisted Tools (CAT) with each other. However, understanding the function and role of each translation platform is the key to ensuring a smooth localization process.
In machine translation, the text is automatically translated by a computer algorithm without any human intervention. On the other hand, CAT tools are a range of software which accelerate the process of translation. They also assist translators with translation of complex tasks. It is, therefore, important to invest in the right technology to get the desired localization results.
Myth #4: Icons in a software save time and money
Granted, icons can be a catchy and fun means of getting the message across. They can also be simple symbols that convey universal meanings. However, the use of icons in a software can also be problematic in some cases. Many companies use icons to keep translation costs down while creating products that communicate a common message. These icons may be clear in one country, but may be completely unrecognizable in another country. Additionally, some icons may represent actions that are considered offensive in some Asian cultures. This not only incurs heavy costs for the companies, but can also waste a lot of time and resources when in need of alterations.
To make sure these icons are accepted across the board, it is best to re-think about interface graphics and symbols. However, that would still delay the software localization process and push costs further up.
Myth #5: Only one Software is Enough for all Markets
Industries across the globe aim to make an impact on multiple markets with the assistance of software localization. However, delivering the best language translator software for different markets is tougher than it seems and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many companies want to incorporate the same software in multiple markets by just changing the translation. But sometimes, separate versions of software are needed in a single market. Companies should gauge the preferences as well as the language diversity of a region before releasing the localized version of their software.
Conclusion
Software localization may allow companies to get their message across to other markets, but the process is tougher than it looks. With the right translation management technology as well as the assistance of software translators, this software localization process can become easy and smoother.
